Hamas

[hah-mahs]

noun

1. a Palestinian Islamic militant political party engaged in grassroots organizing, armed resistance, and acts of terrorism against Israel: designated a terrorist organization by the United States and European Union.

Hamas

/ ˈhæmæs /

noun

1. an organization founded in 1987 with the aim of establishing an Islamic state in Palestine

Hamas

1. A radical Palestinian organization founded in 1987 in opposition to the moderate policies of the Palestine Liberation Organization. In a controversial move, Yasir Arafat has brought members of Hamas into positions of authority within the Palestinian Authority. Hamas sponsors terrorism directed at Israel, especially in the form of suicide bombers in crowded places.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

First recorded in 1985–90; vocalization of Arabic ḤMS, abbreviation of Ḥarakat al-Muqāwamah al-Islāmīyah “Islamic Resistance Movement,” from ḥarakat, form of ḥarakah “movement” + muqāwama “opposition, resistance” + Islāmīyah “Islamic” ( Islam ( def. ) ); coined as a pun on ḥamās “excitement, zeal”

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hamas¹

C20: Arabic: zeal; also an acronym for haraka muqawama islamia Islamic Armed Movement

Example Sentences

But he has held together a fractious coalition throughout the war with Hamas and has remained steady in the polls after a deep drop following the Oct.

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It is alleged that thousands of Palestinians have been detained by Israel since the Hamas attacks of October 7th 2023.

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Negotiations are under way to ensure safe passage for dozens of Hamas fighters holed up in tunnels in a southern Gaza area under Israeli control, multiple sources close to the talks told AFP.

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Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement that the handover "reflects Hamas's steadfast commitment to fully complete the exchange process and its ongoing efforts to finalise it despite significant difficulties."

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This was the case of the U.S.-based Holy Land Foundation, whose leaders were convicted in 2008 for funneling millions of dollars to Hamas.

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